Cost of Adoption
Many families are hoping to adopt a child, but want to know "how much does adoption cost and will I be able to afford it?" With the costs of adoption ranging from $0 to $40,000, finances are definitely an important consideration. The wide range in costs is due to many factors. Being aware of the costs involved can help you plan for your adoption and help you decide what adoption path is best for you.
While parenting always costs money, adopting a child has many other costs that can often seem overwhelming. Each adoption is unique and it's impossible to say exactly how much it would cost to adopt a child in any particular situation. The adoption costs vary between domestic and international adoptions, as well as between adoption agency adoptions and independent adoptions. And even within each type of adoption process, the costs vary from one adoption to the next. Some of factors that affect the cost are the type of adoption, what type of adoption agency or facilitator handles the case, any preferences on the child (such as age or background), and individual circumstances of the child or birth parents.
Range of Adoption Costs
Although it is not possible to list a specific cost, the outline below shows the average range of different types of adoption. While the high end of the range may seem too high too afford, consider the whole range and the fact that many adoptions occur at the lower end of the range too.
- Foster Care Adoptions - adoption costs generally range from $0 to $2,500
- Licensed Private Agency Adoptions - generally range from $5,000 to $40,000 or more
- Independent Adoptions - average range is from $8,000 to $40,000 or more
- Facilitated/Unlicensed Adoptions - costs generally range from $5,000 to $40,000 or more
- International Adoptions - most cost from $7,000 to $30,000
Although these costs may seem expensive, prospective adoptive parents should check with the various adoption agencies and adoption lawyers and find out more about the specific costs for their situation. By exploring the adoption alternatives and the associated costs, most couples hoping to adopt a child should be able to find an adoption plan that works for them. Many times the costs associated with a specific type of adoption can help them decide if that type of adoption is one they are going to pursue, or if another type of adoption is a better method for them. With knowledge of the options, it can help an adoptive family work out a budget and make the financial plans necessary to cover the expenses involved.
Types of Adoption Expenses
So what costs are involved in an adoption? Some of the expenses are universal (applicable to all adoptions), such as home study costs and court costs. Other expenses will depend on the specific type of adoption, whether it be a foster-care adoption, domestic infant adoption, international adoption, agency adoption, or independent adoption. The more expensive options are using the services of a private adoption agency, while the more affordable options are using a not-for-profit agency or social services agency. With international adoptions, the fees may be more predictable and known upfront, but there is usually the consideration of travel costs.
Children of Household by Type of Relationship
Independent Adoption Costs
While many prospective adoptive parents may hope that independent adoptions cost less than an agency adoption, they are often just as costly. With independent adoptions the expenses may be smaller, separate amounts and not one big, lump sum, but the total process can end up being very expensive. Depending on the laws of the particular state, the adoptive parents usually pay the birth mother's medical and legal expenses, and sometimes for her clothing and living expenses as well. Some states also require adoptive parents to pay for counseling for the birth parents. This is to ensure that the birth parents completely understand their choices and are fully aware of the implications of their decision. These costs are in addition to the adoptive parents own expenses, including home study costs, legal costs, and counseling or adoption classes costs. Independent adoptions can also be somewhat risky, as birth parents often change their mind after the baby is born. This can be difficult because of both the financial loss and the loss of the hoped-for baby. While adoption insurance is available, insurance companies require that the adoption be handled by a pre-approved adoption agency or lawyer.
Choosing an Adoption Provider
While cost is an important consideration of adoptions, it should not be the only criteria for choosing an adoption provider. Before you give your money away - whether it is an adoption agency, adoption lawyer, or adoption facilitator - you should check references and know more about them. Where are they located? What adoption services are they providing? What adoption services are they not providing? Are they licensed? Do they have any affiliations (government agencies, health care services, religious affiliations)? Check with the state licensing board and see if their license is current. Check references. Use the internet to search for and contact other families that have used a particular adoption provider and request their testimonial. Take the time to make an informed choice and look for an adoption provider that is licensed and has a good track record of successfully completed adoptions. A happy ending (successful adoption) will make the time and money spent worthwhile.